PSA: Off Highway Vehicles and Road Safety

BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA – Spring weather brings an increase in Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) activity in Nova Scotia, and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg would like to remind residents of the importance of enjoying their OHVs responsibly.

According to the Nova Scotia Off-Highway Vehicle Act, which regulates vehicles that are driven off road and are not registered under the Motor Vehicle Act, OHVs are not permitted to be operated on a highway or the shoulder of a highway. OHVs can cross non-controlled access highways and are permitted to travel the “ditch” portion of a roadway under certain conditions. Operating an OHV along the shoulder of a roadway is illegal.

The recently announced Provincial pilot projects concerning trail connectivity and shoulder access are still being developed and will take effect at a later date.

Courtesy for all trail users is very important to ensure that the trail projects remain safe and accessible. This includes slowing significantly when approaching other users, avoiding private property, staying off the trails after dark and in the early mornings, and obeying posted speed limits.

The Municipality offers approximately 120 km of abandoned rail line designated for multi-use, including OHVs. These "rails-to-trails" are managed by six active community groups. A complete map of the Municipality's trail system is available at http://www.modl.ca/recreation/parks-trails/municipal-trails.